SUMMARY
- Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull soon, and Mercedes are reportedly interested in welcoming the Dutchman.
- Adrian Newey's is also reportedly leaving the team,
Max Verstappen has made a name for himself as one of the most dominant drivers in Formula 1 history. The Dutchman seems to be on the path to winning his fourth consecutive Driver’s Championship this year, after winning four out of the first five races by a huge margin. His legacy at Red Bull almost matches the likes of Sebastian Vettel, but it would take a few years for Max to touch the German’s height.
Max Verstappen has now won 50% of all F1 races since the last Chinese Grand Prix (2019).
Pure dominance 😳. #MaxVerstappen #F1 #ChineseGrandPrix #RedBullRacing pic.twitter.com/zlMxbHeXgq
— Sportsmanor (@sports_manor) April 21, 2024
The young driver would have to drive for Red Bull for quite a few years, something that does not seem possible given the current circumstances. For some context, Verstappen’s future with Red Bull has been a huge question mark, as Mercedes are reportedly interested in filling their main seat. Lewis Hamilton will be joining Ferrari before the 2025 season, and that leaves the number-one spot at Toto Wolff’s team open.
Max Verstappen set to negotiate with Mercedes after the Miami Grand Prix
According to the latest reports from the German outlet F1 Insider, Verstappen will be meeting with Mercedes’ representatives to determine whether they can agree. Mercedes are reportedly planning to lure Verstappen with a $160 million contract per season (150 million euros), as well as an ambassador role, similar to what Ferrari promised Hamilton.
🚨Breaking News🚨
Latest rumor: Mercedes is offering Max Verstappen a contract worth 150 million + ambassadorship + Helmut Marko.
After the #MiamiGP Max Verstappen will negotiate with Mercedes.
There’s no racing this weekend, but plenty of rumors swirling around 😭
Source:… pic.twitter.com/YAV0TdbCPq
— Marc | Formula 1 🏎 (@433_marc) April 26, 2024
In addition to that, the team will also attempt to bring Helmut Marko to the team, which could be a huge marketing boost for them considering his popularity among F1 fans. But to get Max to sign on the dotted line, Toto Wolff will have to convince the driver that Mercedes will improve their car. The W15 has not been anywhere close to the cars that Mercedes had during the glory days, which is exactly what Max is looking for.
Adrian Newey set to leave Red Bull for Ferrari?
Over the years, Adrian Newey has won 12 Constructor’s Championships at three different times, and his designs have played a pivotal role in that success. The British engineer is the Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull’s F1 team and is also a world-class aerodynamicist. He has played a crucial part in the birth of one of the fastest cars in the RB18, which ended Mercedes’ dominance for good in 2022.
🚨 BETTY IS SPYING FOR US IN ITALY 🚨
Adrian Newey has been spotted in Italy and we have boots on the ground there.
Our special reporter @_bettsg is tracking his every movement and is at Ferrari to give you BREAKING news as we get it. pic.twitter.com/8bx3TLEhmh
— The Fast And The Curious (@fastcuriouspod) April 26, 2024
After 18 years at Red Bull, Newey is to finally bid goodbye to the team, and he will reportedly be joining a rival. There have been rumors that Newey has held talks with Ferrari, and might sign a new contract with the Italian team very shortly. If Fred Vasseur manages to pull this off, he could be hailed as a genius. Ferrari would have a superteam with Newey’s engineering talents, and the talents of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton on the grid.